Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra vs Galaxy S21 Ultra — Comparison & Final Verdict 

Head-to-head comparison: display, camera, S Pen, and productivity features against camera and processing enhancements. Evaluate specifications, launch prices (in India and the USA), and determine which flagship model suits your needs best.

Released: August 2020 (Note20 Ultra) 

Released: January 2021 (S21 Ultra) 

Category: Flagship / Productivity

Launch Prices (reference)

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra — India

Launch price (2020): ₹1,04,999 (12GB/256GB)

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra — USA

Launch price (2020): $1,299 (128GB)

Galaxy S21 Ultra — India

Launch price (2021): ₹1,05,999 (12GB/128GB, approximate)

Galaxy S21 Ultra — USA

Launch price (2021): $1,199 (128GB)

Specifications — Side by Side

Feature	Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra	Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Display	6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X • QHD+ (3088×1440) • 120Hz (adaptive) • Gorilla Glass Victus	6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X • QHD+ (3200×1440) • 120Hz (adaptive) • Gorilla Glass Victus
Processor	Exynos 990 (Global) / Snapdragon 865+ (USA)	Exynos 2100 (Global) / Snapdragon 888 (USA)
RAM	12 GB	12 GB / 16 GB
Storage	128 / 256 / 512 GB • microSD support (up to 1 TB)	128 / 256 / 512 GB • no microSD
Rear Cameras	108 MP main • 12 MP ultra-wide • 12 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical)	108 MP main • 12 MP ultra-wide • 10 MP periscope telephoto (10× optical hybrid)
Front Camera	10 MP	40 MP
Battery	4,500 mAh • 25W wired	5,000 mAh • 25W wired
Charging & Wireless	25W wired • 15W wireless • 4.5W reverse wireless	25W wired • 15W wireless • 4.5W reverse wireless
S Pen / Productivity	Yes — S Pen included (9ms latency on Ultra model) • Note-focused software features	No S Pen support (S Pen supported on S21 Ultra with separate accessory in limited markets)
Build	Glass front & back (Victus) • stainless steel frame	Glass front & back (Victus) • aluminum frame
Software	Launched with Android 10 (One UI) • upgradable	Launched with Android 11 • upgradable
Biometrics	Ultrasonic under-display fingerprint	Ultrasonic under-display fingerprint
Weight	208 g	227 g (varies by config)
Notable Extras	Laser AF • microSD • S Pen air actions • Samsung DeX	Enhanced zoom capabilities • slightly newer SoC • improved low-light processing

Why pick the Note 20 Ultra

• Built-in S Pen — best for note-taking and productivity
• microSD slot — expand storage affordably
• Slightly lighter in real-world use for some SKUs and better note-workflows
• Excellent 108MP camera and professional shooting modes

Why pick the S21 Ultra

• Newer chipset (Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100) — better sustained performance
• Superior hybrid zoom (10×) for long-range shots
• 40MP front camera — better selfies & video calls
• Longer battery (5,000 mAh) for heavy usage

Real-world differences

If your main use of the phone revolves around productivity—such as regular note-taking, sketching, and multitasking—the Note 20 Ultra is undoubtedly the best option due to its S Pen and built-in software. However, if your focus is on camera zoom, consistent performance during demanding tasks, and a marginally larger battery capacity, the S21 Ultra offers greater longevity for future needs.

Final Verdict

Opt for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra if your main focus is on S Pen functionalities, expandable storage, and a seamless Samsung Note experience. Alternatively, select the Galaxy S21 Ultra if you desire the most advanced processing capabilities available at launch, superior hybrid zoom, and a bigger battery for extended usage.Both remain excellent flagships — pick the one that matches your workflow: Productivity (Note 20 Ultra) vs Photography & endurance (S21 Ultra).

FAQs

Are microSD cards supported?
Note 20 Ultra supports microSD; S21 Ultra does not.

Which has the better zoom?
S21 Ultra offers superior long-range zoom (hybrid 10×) while Note 20 Ultra has reliable 5× optical periscope.

Does the S21 Ultra support S Pen?
S21 Ultra can accept S Pen input in select markets with a separate accessory, but it does not include an S Pen slot like the Note series.

Which is better for software updates?
The S21 Ultra launched later and typically benefits from newer SoC optimizations; both receive Samsung updates (check current support windows).

Also Read

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra — Full Specs & Price
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra — Full Specs & Price